W126 lower ball joint - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gilly · #16 06-06-2011, 05:06 PM

What I would think of would be a portable grinder, once you take that lip off (that stops the ball joint when you press it in), then you could probably remove the "ball" and hammer the rest of it out or split it like a bearing race and knock it out.
The official tool works slicker than snot for removal, and again installing is just as easy with the hyd, press.

DAVECAD2.0 · #17 06-06-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

Well its clear from the reading a special press is needed it seems. At $530 for one, I am not too keen on using it just to do two joints. A local Euro shope quoted me $150.... per side! No thank you, not when I am brining the knuckles to them cutting out the need to remove them for me.

So does anyone in the Green Bay, WI area have a press or know of a shop that will charge a reasonable rate? Willing to drive a couple hours to get a press or maybe bring the knuckles with me and get them done.

Figures these would be a pain!

Land:
I made one about a year ago to do my wifes 420 SEL. Put it out for free. Just pay the freight and send it on to the next guy, same deal. I can't remember who I sent it to though. I only recall he didn't know you had to remove the spindal. Search around on the posts maybe you could still find it. You can make one from a length of 2" sch. 40 pipe. Fits perfectly on the new ball joint. Cut a long slot just wide enough for the spindle to fit into it. Weld a 3" x 3" x 3/8" thk. piece of plate on the top for the press to push on. You dont need a special press. I just knocked the old ones out with a socket and 5 lb. hammer.

Good luck, Dave

Hit Man X · #18 06-07-2011, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

Well I think I found a euro shop. $80 for both installed. Even if they charge more for some reason, I will pay it. Heck, if they do it for $80 I will tip em anyway!

Hit Man, where are you located? I would love to rent the press from you, but not sure if shipping, etc would be worth it both ways. But at least I know I could do it for sure and I also would have a lot less down time with the Benz. I HATE driving the VW Beetle.

I cannot see $80 unless you take the spindles to them. Removal is such a PITA, I had to beat mine on the SDL like an old whore before they came out.

I am in Texas. It will fit in a flat rate box, figure $15 shipped with full insurance each way.

LandYaghtLover · #19 06-07-2011, 09:09 AM

Ya, for $80 it would be with me dropping off the knuckles. I will let you know about shipping Hit Man. I think I may go your route. I would hate to find out that the shop was wrong and can not do them.

Hit Man X · #20 06-07-2011, 10:45 AM

You do know you have to pull rotors off, right?

LandYaghtLover · #21 06-07-2011, 01:36 PM

Yes.

Hit Man X · #22 06-07-2011, 03:16 PM

... and that they are a PITA to reinstall? You need a dial indicator to set the end play. May as well replace rotors while you are in there if they are on the low side of factory spec and repack the bearings with new wheel seal.

Are your upper arms good? They are a breeze to do while in there. LCA bushing is a total PITA. I would rather take a punch to the face than do those again.

Strut rod bushings are also super easy once the spring is out of your way.

LandYaghtLover · #23 06-08-2011, 10:10 PM

Uppers I need to replace. One is factory, the other is worse - its a new URO brand. I plan on a full front end rebuild this summer. I would do it now, but my labe ran up $3k in vet bills this month killing most of my fun money!